Trailer Lamps; Driving While You Tow; Servicing After Towing; Trailer Towing Tips - Mercury Mariner 2008 Owner's Manual

Tires, Wheels and Loading

Trailer lamps

Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Make sure all running
lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working. Do not
connect trailer lamps directly to your vehicle's tail lamps. This can cause
damage to your vehicle's electrical system. See your authorized dealer or
trailer rental agency for proper instructions and equipment for hooking
up trailer lamps.

Driving while you tow

When towing a trailer:
• To ensure proper "break-in" of powertrain components, do not trailer
tow during the first 1,000 miles (1600 km) of a new vehicle.
• To ensure proper "break-in" of powertrain components during the first
500 miles (800 km) of trailer towing, drive no faster than 70 mph
(112 km/h) with no full throttle starts.
• Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
• Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
• To eliminate excessive shifting, use a lower gear. This will also assist
in transmission cooling. (For additional information, refer to
Understanding the gearshift positions of the 4–speed automatic
transmission in the Driving chapter.
• Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
• Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.

Servicing after towing

If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance
information for more information.

Trailer towing tips

• Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
• Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
• If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear. Do
not apply the brakes continuously, as they may overheat and become
less effective.
178
2008 Mariner (mrn)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)